Sqad - another one for you!

[Halifaxmum]

Hi again...!

Regarding my hair loss, I've been back to the doc's for the blood test results - the GP says I have a B12 deficiency and recommends weekly injections for 6 weeks.

He asked about my diet (which is pretty rubbish, I must admit, I'm vegetarian and don't eat very well) and said it could be the B12 causing the hair loss, but it's also likely I have a family history of it (as youngest Halifax has total alopecia areata and we don't know any other family members or history)

Just thought I'd fill you in, maybe ask for your opinion...?

Rachel x

[Sqad]

There is a direct relationship with B12 (Pernicious anaemia) and hair loss.

After your initial 6 weeks and depending upon your blood results then your injections will be reduced in frequency. Well done.

[Sqad]

Halifax....just a bit of useless information for you, before B12 was isolated and synthesised in the laboratory your treatment would have been to eat half a pond of raw liver a day.................so count your blessings.

[Halifaxmum]

Thanks for that Sqad, thank heavens for scientific research!

So is B12 deficiency the same as pernicious anaemia? Does it have anything to do with normal anaemia? Will it go away or will I always have it?

Thanks again

[Sqad]

B12 deficiency can occur in many situations, but at far as you are concerned, it is the same as Pernicious Anaemia.

By "normal anaemia" I assume that you mean the commonest form of anaemia that is iron deficiency anaemia and the answer is ..........no it doesn´t.

No, it will never go way......you will need B12 by injection for the rest of your life.

[redcrx]

sorry, halifax for butting in
Sqad, my best friend has been told today that she has Pernicious anaemia. This follows 6 years of trips to and from GP with various problems, irons levels as low as 3, pins and needles, loss of function in limbs and movement and nerve damage for the last 4 years at least.
Im gutted for her, the GPs just didnt do the right tests, shes had 2 children in that time and is pregnant with another at the moment.
is it true that the nerve damage wont recover?

[Halifaxmum]

no problem red - it's interesting to hear about your friend - if you find any more info out, I'd like to hear it!

sqad - top info as ever from you, shame my GP didn't tell me anything about it tho...!?!

[Halifaxmum]

just had the 1st injection - it wasn't bad, just a bit harder than a normal jab!

[Sqad]

redcrx........that is a terrible story.

The only reversible neurological condition is Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Cord as a consequence of Pernicious Anaemia.

You friend MIGHT get away with recovery of her nerve damage now the P.A has been diagnosed and treated...............there is a chance.

[redcrx]

Halifaxmum. I wish you all the best and am glad your GP is getting you seen to asap.
I shall take my thread to sqad elsewhere as i dont want to upset you by comparing your diagnosis to my friends, she really has been left too long and its severe.
x

[Halifaxmum]

ok red - all the best to you and your friend x

[redcrx]

and to you. I hope that the injections help you x